10 Holiday Events and Attractions in Nashville That Locals and Visitors Will Love

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As holiday guests trickle into town, you might begin to wonder how to entertain them. You can treat them to a 48 hour tour of Music City, explore our many growing neighborhoods and take them to try local restaurants. You can also help them get into the holiday spirit thanks to these 10 holiday events and attractions. Each event is family friendly, and offers something different. So whether you are hunting for a last-minute tree or want to sit back and watch a holiday show, we have something for everyone!

Through December 23, 2017: Fresh Art for the Holidays at The Arts Company

Take your guests on a tour of Nashville’s art scene by visiting 5th Avenue of the Arts galleries. Regional and internationally established artists exhibit their work in these local galleries that promote the city’s vibrant art scene. At The Arts Company, a holiday exhibition showcases seasonal art in various mediums. In collaboration with The Studio 208 and the Nashville Walls Project, the exhibition features work by muralist, painter and installation artist Ian Ross. See everything this exhibition has to offer during regular gallery hours through December 23.

Through December 25, 2017: It’s a Wonderful Life at The Belcourt

See one of the season’s best movies inside Nashville’s historic theater. Not only will guests be thrilled to watch Jimmy Stewart on the big screen, they will revel in the opportunity to get a first-hand look at the iconic Belcourt Theatre. Thanks to renovations that were completed last summer, the well-loved landmark now features an updated concessions stand with beer and snacks, so you can make an evening out of it. The film is shown Thursday through Sunday at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Christmas Day at 7 p.m. belcourt.org

Nothing signals the start of the holiday season quite like a day at Nashville’s Nutcracker, where we join Clara as she ventures through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. Plus, this year promises all-new magical elements — including snow falling onto the audience for the very first time! Not only will it tell the classic Nutcracker tale, but the production will also feature nods to Nashville’s past by weaving Music City’s historic landmarks and characters into the famous ballet’s storyline. Allow Nashville Ballet dancers to take you into the dreamland we have come to know and love — with an added Nashville touch. tpac.org

Through December 24, 2017: Factory at Franklin 2017 Trees of Christmas Exhibit

The Factory at Franklin has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland thanks to the annual Trees of Christmas Exhibit. Nearly 50 trees decorated with lights and ornaments fill the factory to bring holiday cheer to shoppers. Take a look at the trees before grabbing a donut from Five Daughters Bakery, ordering a pizza from Mafiaozas’s and shopping unique gifts and home décor at the local shops. factoryatfranklin.com

Through December 24, 2017: Winter Showroom in Germantown

Whether your guests need to do a little last-minute shopping or are looking to take something local home, the Winter Showroom is happy to help. Local designers are showcasing items from their collections in this seasonal pop-up in Nashville’s Germantown. The showroom is open Thursday to Monday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, by appointment only. If you work up an appetite while shopping, head next door for something to eat at Silo!

Through December 25, 2017: A Nashville Christmas at JVI Secret Gardens

At this point, it is likely that you already have your Christmas tree, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a stroll around a tree lot. In addition to Christmas trees, JVI Secret Gardens has carols, hot chocolate, a life-sized gingerbread house and fire pit to help get you into the holiday spirit. Take home a fresh wreath (or last-minute tree) to add to your holiday decorations! jvisecretgardens.com

With holiday displays featuring more than 3 million lights, Ice! Featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas, arctic plunge snow tubing, glacier glide ice skating and Santa’s snow throw, Gaylord is full of holiday spirit. This year, they are adding Cirque Dreams Holidaze to the roundup of festivities. For the first time, a never-before-seen Broadway musical with new cirque adventure takes to the stage. Take the whole family to this special event. ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com

Through December 31, 2017: Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood

You only have a few weeks left to enjoy this holiday tradition at Cheekwood. For only the third year, the gardens — not just the mansion — are decorated with elegant displays and hundreds of thousands of festive lights. Throw on your jacket and stroll the grounds as you celebrate the holiday season. cheekwood.org

Through December 30, 2017: Christmas at the Mansion

The Mansion at Fontanel was once home to country music megastar Barbara Mandrell. With 20 rooms, 12 bathrooms, five fireplaces, two kitchens, an indoor pool and indoor shooting range, the home exhibits true luxury. Each year, the mansion is decorated and guests are welcomed to listen to carolers, sip warm beverages, tour the mansion and view displays from Kenny Chesney, Alabama, Big and Rich, Jewel and more. The fun starts at 6 p.m. and lasts until 10:30 p.m. each night. Also going on now at Fontanel is “Sparkle: A Country Christmas Carol,” an event produced by Townsquare. The interactive holiday experience is in its first year and is worth checking out — read our review of it here. fontanel.com

Through December 31, 2017: The Dancing Lights of Christmas

This holiday tradition is back and brighter than ever. This year, the lights are hung in Wilson County and the James E. Ward Agricultural Center, home of the Wilson County Fair. As you drive through the displays, the lights will dance along with Christmas music on the radio. The drive-through light attraction is one that kiddos will love. Sometimes the line can get long, but don’t worry, it moves quickly. thedancinglightsofchristmas.com